Aztec Recreation Climbing Supervisor

Associated Students of San Diego State University; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,718,000 - 75,933,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Students, SDSU seeks a Climbing Supervisor to manage climbing wall operations, instructional classes, gear rental, and team-building programs. You will ensure safety, oversee daily operations, and support promotional efforts with the marketing team.

The role requires 2+ years of supervisory experience, relevant education, and CPR/First Aid certifications within 30 days of hire. Join Aztec Recreation to lead dynamic student-focused programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in a related field.
• Two years of experience administering recreation climbing programs.
• Two years supervisory/management experience.
• Experience with climbing wall operations and staff supervision.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversees planning, organization, and implementation of climbing programs including wall operations, classes, gear rental, and team building.
• Hires, trains, schedules, supervises and evaluates program staff and class instructors.
• Ensures adherence to university policies and safety guidelines across climbing facilities and programs.
• Maintains climbing wall and equipment; contributes to program growth and promotions.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Staff training

Safety policies

Communication skills

Program planning

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

CPR/AED certification

First Aid certification

Outdoor climbing certifications (SPI/AMGA etc.)

Job description

Priority consideration deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026.

Compensation: $24.68 - $26.50 hourly

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, the Climbing Supervisor is responsible for the development, implementation and supervision of climbing programs, including climbing wall, rock climbing instructional classes, team building programs and special events. The Climbing Supervisor will oversee daily operations, fiscal management, risk management, policies and procedures, scheduling and event planning, and staff management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

• Supervises the planning, organization, and implementation of recreational programs including but not limited to: climbing wall operations, instructional classes, gear rental, and team building programs
• Hires, trains, schedules, supervises and evaluates program staff, including program assistants, leads, climbing wall attendants and credit class instructors
• Ensures all programs and services are governed by rules, guidelines, policies and procedures approved by the A.S. Recreation and Wellness Commission
• Ensures policies and procedures are developed, interpreted and applied properly for all climbing facilities and programs with participant safety as a high priority
• Ensures adherence to Aztec Recreation, Associated Students and SDSU policies
• Ensures proper maintenance of climbing wall and program equipment
• Provides programming changes, needs and ideas to enhance participation growth
• Assists with promotional materials and social media content in collaboration with Aztec Recreation Marketing Coordinator and student staff to promote and publicize programs
• Completes program assessment for operations and programs
• Assists with department sustainability initiatives
• Assists others in department with special tasks as assigned

Instructional Responsibilities

• Schedules and coordinates academic credit classes
• Develops and implements non-credit clinics and classes
• Hires, trains, evaluates and manages class instructors
• Develops class curriculum, skill development and learning outcomes
• Teaches instructional classes and clinics

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

Bachelor's Degree preferred, in Kinesiology, Recreation or Recreation Management, Physical Education, , or related field from an accredited college or university

Experience:

• Two years of experience administering recreation climbing programs required (or two years Graduate Assistantship experience)
• Experience in a college campus environment is preferred
• Two years supervisory/management experience required
• Demonstrated experience of the following:
• Hiring, training, evaluating and supervising staff
• Training students in topics including but not limited to climbing technical skills, group dynamics, safety, environmental protection, and emergency response
• Leading groups in a variety of settings
• Experience with indoor climbing wall and outdoor climbing, including staffing and operations
• Team building facilitation experience preferred
• Working knowledge of climbing equipment maintenance

Licenses & Certifications Requirements

• American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification required (within 30 days of hire)
• American Red Cross CPR/AED and First-Aid instructor certification preferred
• Specialized outdoor or rock climbing advanced skills/certifications preferred (e.g. SPI, CWI, PCGI, AMGA, WEA, CWA, ACCT)

Trainings (Must be completed within 30 days of hire)

• Anti-Harassment Training for Supervisors
• Workplace Violence Prevention
• Data Security & Privacy
• Gender Awareness Training

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Must professionally represent the Associated Students and San Diego State University at all times
• Must be able to successfully fulfill the Essential Duties of this job description and meet performance expectations
• Highly organized, confidential and reliable individual with keen written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a diverse, frequently changing population of students, faculty and staff
• Capable of maintaining positive working relationships with staff, University, customers and vendors
• Demonstrated success in managing and mentoring work teams of diverse functions, complying with organizational policies and procedures and managing and leading change within an organization
• Commitment to values of wellness, service, diversity, and sustainability

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, colleagues and guests
• Must have strong communication skills (verbally and written) to communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
• Ability to operate personal computer, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, experience using social media and ability to learn and utilize new software programs
• Ability to gather and organize data, draw logical conclusions and discern implications
• Well organized, ability to effectively multi-task, ability to prioritize work, problem solve, make decisions and meet scheduled deadlines under pressure
• Must be self-motivated, self-starter and perform with minimal direction and supervision
• Ability to present a consistent positive approach to students and all internal and external contacts by being courteous, respectful, helpful and cooperative at all times
• Commitment to a high standard of safety and ability to communicate and train safety policies and procedures to staff
• Proven necessary supervisory skills including, but are not limited to: hiring, inspecting, analyzing, planning, prioritizing, scheduling, assigning, receiving, controlling, training, instructing, documenting, recommending and reporting
• Ability to interpret and communicate policies and procedures
• Ability to adapt to and work in an environment of constant change, growth and frequent interruptions
• Must be able to exercise tact and exhibit sound professional judgment
• Works in an independent manner without undue supervision

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a regular, full-time position. Flexibility and willingness to work irregular hours and days, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed by program schedule.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work conditions may vary depending upon the location of programs; programs may occur indoors and outdoors, therefore requiring exposure to a variety of elements. While working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work performed within an office environment will include standard office equipment. While working outdoors, the work environment may involve exposure to various elements including but not limited to: sun, heat/cold, dust, pollens, precipitation, and other environmental risks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include talking, listening, sitting, standing, walking, manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, corrected vision, hearing to standard range and use of office equipment including but not limited to computers, printers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, and cameras.

Depending on program requirements, physical demands may require standing and walking for extended lengths of time and may require lifting, pushing, pulling, moving and carrying items up to 40 pounds.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

• Reports to the Assistant Director
• Supervises:
• Program Assistants
• Climbing Program Leads
• Climbing Wall Attendants
• Class Instructors
• Coordinates with Building Services staff for facility maintenance and needs
• Coordinates with Member Services staff for program registration
• Coordinates with Aztec Recreation Marketing Coordinator and A.S. Graphics staff
• Works with other Aztec Recreation staff
• Works with A.S. Business Services staff

Outside the Organization:

• Works collaboratively and communicates with various University departments and personnel
• Networks with other university programs, professional organizations and community entities to stay current with outdoor and recreation industries as well as new programming ideas and trends for college students

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY

Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt, Supervisor, Grade 4

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered this position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position.

Fingerprinting is required for all employee and volunteer positions that have direct contact with minor children.

AR 1065